Rotorua's Essential 50: Day 2 - Trout Fishing

Bert Robinson

Give an absolute beginner a rod - and a bit of knowledge - and they will catch a trout. That's what makes trout fishing in Lake Rotorua an essential.

Rotorua Daily Post trout fishing expert Bert Robinson said Lake Rotorua was teeming with fish and on a good day he lands 60 fish in a six-hour session.

People travel from all over the country - and the world - to experience what he and others can every day.

"Anyone, of any age, ability, fitness, can have a reasonable expectation of catching a trout," he said.

"We have 13 lakes and five rivers easily accessed from Rotorua, there's a huge number of styles whether you're fishing from a boat or from the lake's edge."

Mr Robinson's number one recommendation for anyone new to the region and who wants to give fishing a go is to hire a professional guide.

"If you're new to the area hire a guide. You can spend $200-$400 for a day and it sets you up for life. It's good value for money"

He also recommended the Rotorua Anglers' Association as a way to learn from others.

"In one room there will be 400-500 years of knowledge," he said. They've got quite good membership and run an A-Z School where you learn everything from what gear you need to why you fish in certain spots.

"In summer the best places to fish are the likes of Awahou, Hamurana, Waiteti and Ngongotaha stream mouths. Ngongotaha is a good one to start with. Utuhina is a bit tough but it holds plenty of fish."

Fish & Game's hatchery on Paradise Valley Rd holds open days and kids' fishing days so keep an eye out for events to learn more about the trout in the lakes.

The Rotorua Daily Post Essential 50 lists the city's must-see, must-do and must-try activities and experiences. We'll be highlighting one every day over summer.